Erecting, altering and

dismantling scaffolding

Part 1: Prefabricated steel

modular scaffolding
A guide on health
and safety standards

November 2010
Disclaimer
This publication may contain occupational health and safety and workers compensation information. It may include some of your obligations under the
various legislations that WorkCover NSW administers. To ensure you comply with your legal obligations you must refer to the appropriate legislation.
Information on the latest laws can be checked by visiting the NSW legislation website (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au).
This publication does not represent a comprehensive statement of the law as it applies to particular problems or to individuals or as a substitute for
legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice if you need assistance on the application of the law to your situation.
CONTENTS PAGE

1. INTRODUCTION 2

2. PURPOSE 3

3. SCOPE 4

4. DEFINITIONS 5

5. CONTROL MEASURES FOR WORKING PLATFORMS 7

6. ERECTING, ALTERING OR DISMANTLING 8

6.1 DESIGN CRITERIA FOR ERECTION PLATFORMS 9

6.2 DESIGN CRITERIA FOR TEMPORARY EDGE PROTECTION 10

6.3 GENERIC WORK SEQUENCE – SCAFFOLD ERECTING AND DISMANTLING 10

6.4 GENERAL WORK SEQUENCE – SPECIFIC TASKS 13

6.5 ERECTION PLATFORM OPTIONS 15

APPENDIX A – SCAFFOLD DESIGN LIMITATIONS 20

APPENDIX B – CHECKLIST 23

APPENDIX C – FURTHER INFORMATION 25

1. INTRODUCTION
The Industry Solutions Program is a research and development initiative undertaken by
WorkCover NSW that works with industry to devise practical solutions to problematic issues
in an industry. It recognises the need for assistance in some industry sectors to overcome
particular difficulties or challenges in order to improve workplace safety.

Solutions to safety issues are developed in partnership with industry within a three-month
period and released for industry-wide implementation. Within 12 months, an evaluation
is conducted to determine the effectiveness and practicality of the solutions. If necessary,
further refinements, including additional solutions, are included after the evaluation.

There have been a number of incidents where lack of fall prevention systems contributed to
worker injuries and there were limited practical solutions to safely erect, alter and dismantle
prefabricated steel modular scaffolding – hence this guide was developed in 2008. A review
of the guide was completed in 2009.

Contributors to this guide include:

• Abigroup
• Access Guard – Platforms, Scaffolding & Edge Protection
• Boral
• Bovis Lend Lease
• CFMEU
• Clarendon Residential
• East Coast Scaffolding
• Expanded Pty Ltd
• Housing Industry Association
• Kohinor Pty Ltd
• Lipman Pty Ltd
• Marron Consultancy
• Master Builders Association NSW
• SGB Raffia Pty Ltd
• Southern Cross Construction NSW
• TAFE NSW
• Unions NSW
• Waco Kwikform
• 4Ken Pty Ltd.

This guide provides practical guidance for those erecting, altering and dismantling
scaffolding, and for principal contractors, employers, suppliers of scaffolds and others
involved in using prefabricated steel modular scaffolding. Occupational health and safety
regulations require the control of risk to health and safety. Following this guide is a means to
achieve such compliance.

2
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance to the scaffolding industry to safely erect,
alter and dismantle prefabricated steel modular scaffolding for commercial and residential
buildings.

While steel is the dominant material used in the manufacture of prefabricated modular
scaffolding, the concepts and procedures in this guide also apply to prefabricated modular
scaffolds manufactured from other materials. However, ‘Appendix A – Scaffold design
limitations’ only applies to prefabricated steel modular scaffolding.

The concepts within this guide differ from traditional scaffold erection methods, which are
no longer considered acceptable. These concepts should be incorporated into scaffolding
manufacturer or supplier information, and erectors’ safe work method statements.

There are risks associated with scaffolders falling through and from the scaffold. To minimise
these risks, this standard requires scaffolders to install and work from fully planked
platforms at vertical intervals of between 2 and 3 m (2 m where practicable), and to install
guardrails and mid-rails in advance of the decking. The fully planked platforms are to remain
in place until the scaffold is dismantled.

If the work activity or building design prevents fully planked platforms at 2 m intervals, eg a
façade or building profile that requires the working platforms to be more than 2 m intervals
for the work to be carried out – a larger interval up to 3 m may be used.

For some applications the configurations of the structure or equipment for which the
scaffolding is to be installed makes it not practicable to follow the principle of installing
fully planked platforms at 2 or 3 m vertical intervals. In such instances alternative safe work
methods must be developed to provide an equivalent level of safety.

3
3. SCOPE
This guide covers the erecting, altering and dismantling of prefabricated steel modular
scaffolding founded on the ground or another solid surface.

Fully decked scaffolds over 20 m in height may exceed the design strength of the system
and the design should be verified by the manufacturer, supplier or an engineer competent in
scaffold design.

There may be prefabricated modular steel scaffolding designs (component or site-specific

configuration) that require specific erection methods. For example:

• scaffolds that require specific engineering designs, such as hung scaffolds, cantilevered
scaffolds, loading platforms, birdcage scaffolds or scaffolds where the loads from
one bay are transferred to the adjoining standards, eg spur scaffolds or scaffolds
incorporating an access opening
• scaffolds where the fully planked platforms are installed at greater than 3 m vertical
intervals.

In such situations, table 1 and the generic work sequence may not apply. However, the
alternative methods must provide equivalent safety to those specified in this standard.

4
4. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this guide, the following definitions apply:
Australian Standard
base lift
closed platform
erection platform
hop-up bracket (platform
bracket)
must
principal contractor
safe work method
statement
scaffold standard
should
solid surface
temporary edge protection
a document published by Standards Australia.
the first level of transoms and ledgers above the jacks.
a platform that is constructed and that is capable of
functioning as a working platform, but is temporarily closed to
any loading or access, in accordance with table 1.
a temporary platform that is placed on the scaffold or
temporarily constructed as part of the scaffold to assist with
the installation (or removal) of the standards, transoms,
ledgers, guardrails and mid-rails for the platform above.
Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 show various examples of a temporary
erection platform.
a bracket that is attached to a scaffold to enable a platform to
be placed adjacent to a bay of an independent scaffold.
indicates that the requirements are mandatory under the
occupational health and safety legislation.
a person who is, under clause 210 of the OHS Regulation,
for the time being, appointed or taken to be the principal
contractor for the construction work.
• describes how work is to be carried out
• identifies the work activities assessed as having safety risks
• identifies the safety risks
• d
 escribes the control measures that will be applied to the
work activities
• includes a description of the equipment used in the
work, the standards and codes to be complied with, the
qualifications of the personnel doing the work and the
training required to do the work.
a vertical structural member of the scaffold that transmits a
load to a supporting structure.
indicates a recommendation to do something that is not a
mandatory requirement under the occupational health and
safety legislation.
a surface with adequate stiffness and strength to sustain
imposed loads from the scaffold.
a guardrail and midrail or proprietary system installed
to provide fall protection for scaffolders in advance of
the placement (or after removal) of the permanent edge
protection.
5
tie bar a member fixed to the cantilevered end of a pair of hop-up
brackets to prevent the brackets from spreading and the
planks from becoming dislodged.
toeboard a scaffold plank or purpose-designed component fixed at the
edge of a platform to prevent material from falling off the
platform.
working face the face of a building or structure at which the scaffold has
been erected to enable work to be carried out at some stage
of the project.
working platform a platform on a scaffold, positioned at a work location for
supporting personnel, equipment and materials, and used to
provide a working area.

6
5. CONTROL MEASURES FOR WORKING PLATFORMS
There should be a system in place to limit the number of platforms permitted as working
platforms, and to limit the respective platform ratings, to prevent the scaffold being
overloaded.

Possible systems include:

• closing off platforms at the access points by physical means
• placing signs at the access points to each platform, advising if closed or indicating the
duty rating of a working platform
• assigning an on-site scaffold coordinator to the relevant contractors, to control the use of
various platforms, or sections of platforms
• designating who is to use the scaffold at any given time.

Principal contractors must clearly identify in their site-specific occupational health and
safety (OHS) management plan those responsible for implementing the control measures.

The system should also:

• include in the site induction the control measures and the names of those persons
responsible for implementing the controls
• have means to identify working platforms that are closed – this can be discussed at
regular toolbox meetings
• have means to monitor and review the control measures regularly – if the control
measures are not effective, they should be modified, and records of the monitoring and
modifications should be kept.

Table 1 outlines the permitted number and ratings of platforms for various scaffold heights.
For scaffolds with greater structural capacity than given by the design limitations in appendix
A, the supplier may provide a revised version of table 1 based on an engineering review of
their specific scaffold.

7
6. ERECTING, ALTERING OR DISMANTLING
Risk assessments and safe work method statements are the joint responsibility of the
principal contractor and scaffolding employer. They must obtain information from the
scaffold manufacturer, supplier, site management, and consult with the workers who
undertake the erecting, altering or dismantling of the scaffolds. This information must be
considered when preparing site-specific safe work method statements.

For safe completion of the work, consider the following:

• Pass scaffold items – do not throw them.
• The scaffolder must work from a safe position when installing edge protection for the
platform above, eg by:
− standing on an erection platform with edge protection (see figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 for
various examples of erection platforms)

− erecting temporary edge protection from the work platform below (see figure 5 for an
example of proprietary temporary edge protection) and working behind it to install or
remove the permanent edge protection.

Note: Sections 6.1 and 6.2 provide design criteria for temporary edge protection and
erection platforms.

• The scaffolder should be supported on a fully planked platform when installing the
platform immediately above, except for platform spacings above 2 m where another
purpose-made erection platform may be required for platform installation.
• The fully planked platforms should be nominally 2 m apart, vertically, and remain in
place until the scaffold is dismantled.
• The first platform can be up to 3 m above the ground or supporting surface, except for
the access bay.
• Safe access must be provided up to the first platform and between platforms on the
scaffold.
• Risks from overhead power lines must be assessed and controlled – see WorkCover’s
Code of practice: Work near overhead power lines.

8
6.1 DESIGN CRITERIA FOR ERECTION PLATFORMS

Erection platforms should comply with the criteria given below.

Type of erection platform Criteria

Ladder-based erection Load rating: minimum 120 kg.
platforms Stiles: minimum spacing 350 mm.
(for scaffolding platform
Non-slip feet: must comply with clause 2.5.3 of AS/NZS:
spacing of up to 3 m, ie
1892 part 1 or 3.
erection platform max 2 m
in height) Platform area: minimum 350 mm wide x 300 mm deep,
including the ladder rung if it is at the same level as the
platform.
Unless the erection platform complies with the stability
requirements of section 5 of AS/NZS: 1892 part 1 or 3
(clauses 5.2 to 5.4), means should be provided to secure the
platform to the scaffold, eg hooking onto the guardrail.
For erection platforms up to 1.2 m in height, incorporate a
built-in mid-rail on the three non-access sides. For single
ladder types the continuing stiles are considered as mid-rails.
For erection platforms between 1.2 m and 2 m in height,
incorporate guardrails on the three non-access sides.
Erection platforms Load rating: minimum 120 kg.
supported on ledgers/ Erection platform area: minimum 500 mm x 600 mm.
guardrails (suitable for On scaffolding edge sides, incorporate a built-in mid-rail.
scaffolding platform
spacing of up to 2 m)
Scaffold planks supported Platform area: minimum 2 x 225 mm wide scaffold planks.
on temporary transoms
(suitable for scaffolding
platform spacing of up to
2 m)

9
6.2 DESIGN CRITERIA FOR TEMPORARY EDGE PROTECTION

Temporary edge protection must meet the strength requirements for guardrails and mid-
rails specified in Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding – Part 1:
General requirements and should be designed to allow the installation and removal of the
permanent guardrails whilst it is in position. The manufacturer should provide operating
instructions.

6.3 GENERIC WORK SEQUENCE – SCAFFOLD ERECTING AND DISMANTLING FOR 2 M

VERTICAL PLATFORM INTERVALS

Where work methods differ from the generic work sequence below alternative methods must
provide an equivalent level of safety to those specified in this guide.

Task Activity
Break the job
down into steps
Base out scaffold • Prevent unauthorised access to scaffold area.
and erect base lift • One scaffolder holds standards, while another places transoms and
and first lift ledgers.
• Adjust screw jacks to level the scaffold.
• Erect transoms and ledgers for the first lift.
• Erect planks from below for the first lift.
Complete first lift • Install access stairway or ladder to platform for the first lift.
• If access is by stairway, ensure the stair access bay is erected with
the run of the scaffold.
• Install edge protection comprising guardrail, mid-rail and toeboard
or mesh panels to first lift.
Erect next lift Working from a fully planked platform on the first lift, install standards
from a platform (where the standard joint is 1 to 1.5 m above the platform level),
transoms, ledgers and hop-ups for the next lift above.
Where using erection platforms
− Place an erection platform on the scaffold – see figures 1, 2, 3
and 4 for erection platform options.
− Working from the erection platform, erect standards (where the
standard joint is 1 to 1.5 m above the erection platform level),
mid-rails and guardrails for the lift above.
− Standing on the working platform (or an erection platform for
lifts of 2.5 to 3 m), place planks within the transoms to form the
above working platform.
− Install ladder or stairway access to working platform above.
− Access the above working platform.
− Install toeboards (or other systems to prevent objects falling).

10
Task Activity
Break the job
down into steps
Where using temporary edge protection
− Install temporary edge protection for platform above – see figure 5.
− Install transoms and ledgers for platform above.
− Standing on the working platform (or an erection platform for
lifts of 2.5 to 3 m), place planks within the transoms to form the
above working platform.
− Install ladder or stairway access to working platform above.
− Access the above working platform.
− Install next standards, guardrails and mid-rails.
− Install toeboards (or other systems to prevent objects falling).
• S
 caffold should be erected as close as practicable to the working
face. Where the scaffold is greater than 225 mm from the working
face, install guardrails and mid-rails to the inner face standards.
Erect next lifts • U
 nless a specific engineering design is provided, fix the first row of
ties no more than 4 m above the ground. Do not allow a scaffold to
free stand more than 4 m above the ground or a row of ties.
• Secure objects or remove unsecured objects from the scaffold.
• Repeat erection sequence as per previous task.
Dismantle scaffold General precautions
• Access the scaffold platform from a ladder or stair access – do
not climb the standards, ledgers and transoms.
• Maintain a tidy work area.
•  o not overload the scaffold bays – progressively remove scaffolding
D
equipment from platforms and stack it neatly on the ground.
• Do not leave loose materials on platforms.
• Do not throw down any materials or scaffolding equipment.
•  emove chain wire mesh and shade cloth while working from a
R
fully planked platform.
•  ork with a guardrail in place when removing and passing mesh
W
panels down.
•  ork from a fully planked platform below when dismantling hop-
W
up brackets, tie bars and planks.
•  o not allow an unsheeted scaffold to free stand more than
D
4 m or a sheeted scaffold more than 2 m above the highest tie
remaining in place.
• Before lifting a toeboard, ensure the adjacent plank is held in place.

11
Task Activity
Break the job
down into steps
Dismantling sequence
Note: Follow the below dismantling sequence if you are using erection
platforms. If you are using a temporary edge protection system, modify
the dismantling sequence to suit.
• Access the top platform by stairway or ladder.
• Start dismantling from an end bay.
•  emove chain wire mesh and shade cloth, or mesh panels, from
R
the level to be dismantled or from the whole scaffold if not
required during the dismantling process.
• Move down to the platform below.
• Dismantle top platform planks.
•  orking from an erection platform on the fully planked platform,
W
dismantle guardrails, mid-rails, ledgers, transoms and standards
from the level above.
• Step off the erection platform.
• Dismantle the hop-up platform above, if in place.
•  emove not more than three planks (ensure at least two planks
R
remain) to enable the dismantled materials to be passed down
to the next level (where they are to be temporarily stacked or
removed from the scaffold).
• If removing dismantled materials progressively down through the
scaffold, ensure that the gaps created are not directly below each
other and that planks are replaced when a gap is not being used
to lower materials.
• Remove ties progressively as the scaffold is dismantled.
•  rogressively repeat this procedure until dismantling can be
P
completed from the ground.

12
6.4 GENERIC WORK SEQUENCE – SPECIFIC TASKS

Task Activity
Break the job
down into steps
Raise the platform • Standing within the scaffold bay and behind the temporary edge
1 m from a fully protection, install the mid-rail and guardrail for the platform above.
planked platform • If mesh guard is being used, raise the mesh guard to its new
(this applies to location for the 1 m work platform.
platforms five
• The scaffolder on the work platform removes the internal plank from
planks wide)
the work platform (the board closest to the building) and places it
on the transoms for the lift above.
• Repeat sequentially until the last two planks remain.
• The scaffolder accesses the raised deck.
• A
 nother scaffolder, working from the fully planked platform below,
passes the remaining two planks to the scaffolder above.
• T
 he scaffolder places the planks on the transoms, completing the
raised platform.
• Install toeboards (or other systems to prevent objects falling).
Note: If a three-plank platform is used, an alternative method must be
devised.
Lower the 1 • Reverse the raising sequence.
m platform
(this applies to
platforms five
planks wide)
Install ties • Install ties from a fully planked platform.
• C
 heck with site management that the supporting structure has
sufficient strength to withstand the forces imposed by the scaffold
when the tie is connected – ie minimum 615 kg push in or pull out
per tie.
Install anchors for • C
 heck the structure and material to which the drilled-in anchors are
ties (where used) to be applied, to confirm its suitability for the application.
• Install anchors in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Erect and move • E
 rect or move hop-up brackets, tie bars and planks from the fully
hop-up brackets planked platform below.
and tie bars
Install access • E
 rect stairways and ladders progressively from the base of the
scaffold.
• E
 nsure that the top of any ladder extends not less than 900 mm
above the highest platform served by the ladder - otherwise provide
a suitable handhold to this height.
• E
 nsure that suitable edge protection is fitted at the opening in each
platform served by the ladder within the scaffold bay.
• Secure ladders to prevent movement.

13
Task Activity
Break the job
down into steps
Fix containment • Fix containment sheeting when working from a fully planked
sheeting, eg chain platform with edge protection.
wire mesh and • Fix containment sheeting securely to the scaffold at every platform
shade cloth (where level and at the top and bottom of the scaffold. For shade cloth fix
used) at 1200 mm centres (maximum), vertically and horizontally.
• Fill all gaps with similar material.
• E
 nsure containment sheeting extends at least 1 m above the top-
most platform.
• D
 o not allow any sheeted scaffold to free stand more than 2 m
above the highest tie remaining in place.
Erect mesh panels • Erect mesh panels when working from a fully planked platform with
(where used) edge protection.
• G
 aps between adjoining mesh panels and standards must not be
greater than 25 mm, measured horizontally.
• Fill any larger gaps between panels with similar material.
• D
 o not allow any scaffold fitted with mesh panels to free stand
more than 2 m above the highest tie remaining in place.

14
6.5 ERECTION PLATFORM OPTIONS

Figure 1: D
 iagrammatic illustration of erection and dismantling using various erection
platform options – one-man operation. Note: scaffold is shown against a building,
so guardrails only needed on external face. Toeboards omitted for clarity.

15
Figure 2: D
 iagrammatic illustration of erection and dismantling using various erection
platform options – two-man operation. Note: Scaffold is shown against a building,
so guardrails only needed on external face. Toeboards omitted for clarity.

16
Figure 3: D
 iagrammatic illustration of an erection platform option for a five-plank-wide scaffold.
Note: Scaffold is shown against an existing building, so guardrails only needed on
external face. Access ladder and toeboards omitted for clarity.

17
Figure 4: D
 iagrammatic illustration of an erection platform option for a three-plank-wide
scaffold. Note: Scaffold is shown against a building, so guardrails only needed on
external face. Toeboards omitted for clarity.

18
Figure 5: D
 iagrammatic illustration of a proprietary temporary edge protection system.
Note: Toeboards and lower mid-rails omitted for clarity.

Note: Proprietary temporary edge protection systems such as that illustrated above require
a safe work method statement and the scaffolders to undertake training to use the system
safely.

19
APPENDIX A – SCAFFOLD DESIGN LIMITATIONS
The permitted scaffold configurations are intended to assist those erecting less complex
scaffolds to do so without having the structural capacity of their scaffolds checked by an
engineer.

Table 1 applies to all scaffolds that fit within the below design assumptions. For scaffolds
with greater structural capacity or that otherwise do not comply with the design assumptions,
a revised version of table 1 may be developed based on an engineering review of the specific
scaffold system.

Common issues where engineering review is required due to non-compliance with the design
assumptions are:
• use of three-board hop-up platforms
• use of non-porous containment sheeting
• erection in high wind areas, eg coastal or cliff edges
• thinner wall tubing.

DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS

• Standards are manufactured from tube 48.3 mm OD x 4 mm wall thickness and

minimum steel grade C250 (minimum yield strength).
• Scaffold is erected nominally plumb and standards are free of bends and damage.
• Maximum height to the top working platform is no more than 20 m.
• Bay size is not exceeding 2.4 m x 1.3 m approximately.
• Number of fully planked platform levels is not more than 10.
• Number of hop-up platforms is not more than 10 – hop-up platforms may be capable of
supporting one or two planks wide (about 450 mm).
• Live load (duty rating), uniformly distributed over the working platform, must not exceed
permissible duty rating as outlined in table 1.
• Working platforms supported by hop-up brackets are not loaded to more than light duty,
regardless of the duty rating of the working platform in the adjoining scaffold bay.
• Number of permitted loaded working platforms and platforms supported by hop-up
brackets are not greater than those shown in table 1.
• Where specified, scaffold is sheeted with chain-wire mesh and 20 per cent porosity
(minimum) shade cloth.
• The maximum vertical extension of a clad scaffold above the highest tie does not exceed
2 m, with all standards above the tie being full standards without any joints.
• Wind load is imposed by a wind speed not exceeding 60 kph (16 m/s) acting at 90
degrees directly onto the scaffold face – this design assumption does not allow a
scaffold to be erected near a cliff edge or any other area where high winds are likely to
occur during the time the scaffold is being erected, used or dismantled (this assumption
also applies to incomplete scaffolds).
• Every second standard is tied to a supporting structure of adequate strength, at 4 m
(maximum) vertical intervals.

20
• For scaffolds with a fully planked platform above 14 m, additional ties are placed as per
figure 6.
• The foundation or footing has adequate bearing capacity to support the imposed load
from the scaffold (refer to Australian Standard AS4576: Guidelines for Scaffolding).

Variations to the above design assumptions will require a detailed structural analysis by a
structural engineer with a sound knowledge of scaffolding.

PERMITTED SCAFFOLD CONFIGURATIONS

Check that the installed scaffold conforms to the design assumptions before using the
information in the table below.

Working platforms of various duty ratings may be provided at various levels so long as the
platforms within any bay comply with a row from table 1. Figure 6a shows an example of
how different duty loads or closed platforms may be applied along the run of the platform.

The full run of the platform does not have to be classified as a working or closed platform.

Closed working platforms must not be used as access to a working platform.

Max height Max number Max number Permitted number of loaded Permitted
(m) to top of fully of planked platforms within the scaffold
number of
platform planked hop-up bay loaded hop-
platforms platforms 1 Heavy Medium Light up platforms
or 2 planks duty duty duty 1 or 2 planks
wide (675 kg) (450 kg) (225 kg) wide (light
duty only)
20 10 10 1 0 0 1
20 10 10 0 1 1 1
20 10 10 0 0 2 1
16 8 8 1 0 1 1
16 8 8 0 2 0 2
16 8 8 0 1 1 2
12 6 6 1 1 0 2
12 6 6 1 0 2 2
12 6 6 0 2 1 2
12 6 6 0 1 3 2
6 3 3 2 0 0 2

Table 1: Permitted number of loaded platforms and hop-up bracket platforms

Note: • R
 ead across the table for each variation of permitted number of loaded platforms
and hop-up platforms (eg see the bold figures).
• P
 latforms within the bay must not be loaded to greater duty loading than shown in
the table.
• Load on hop-up platforms must not be greater than light duty loading.

21
 4 m (max)
Scaffold ties

Additional ties for scaffold above 14 m 4.8 m (max) 2.4 m

(max)

Figure 6: Diagrammatic illustration of a typical tie pattern

Bay no 1 2 3 4 5 6 etc
etc
5 HD HD C C C C
4 C C C C HD MD C CLOSED DUTY
3 C C HD HD C C HD HEAVY DUTY
2 C C C C C LD MD MEDIUM DUTY
1 C C C C C C LD LIGHT DUTY
Level 

Figure 6a: Example of staggered work platforms, based on direct access from the building to
each platform.

22
APPENDIX B – CHECKLIST
The following checklist can be used by a person in control of preparing for the erection,
alteration and dismantling of a scaffold to ensure the important safety features and
procedures specified in this guide are in place. It should be used prior to work being
undertaken.

Tick yes or no as appropriate against each item. By reviewing and completing this checklist
with all ‘yes’ answers, you will be well on your way to achieving your legal obligations.

Where you answer ‘no’ to any item, you should ensure that the item is still addressed to
meet your legal obligations.

SCAFFOLD CONFIGURATION AND DESIGN YES NO COMMENT

Is the maximum height to the top working
platform no more than 20 m?
Are standards manufactured from tube
48.3 mm OD x 4 mm wall thickness and
minimum steel grade C250?
Is the bay size 2.4 m x 1.3 m or less
(approximately)?
Is the number of fully planked platforms 10
or less?
Are there 10 or less available hop-up
brackets capable of supporting platforms?
Are the hop-up brackets suitable for no more
than two planks (about 450 mm width)?
Is live load uniformly distributed over the
working platform – and not exceeding
permissible duty rating as outlined in table 1?
Are the number of fully planked platforms
and hop-up platforms, and their associated
duty ratings, in accordance with table 1?
Are working platforms supported by hop-up
brackets not loaded to more than light duty,
regardless of the duty rating of the working
platform in the adjoining scaffold bay?
Is scaffold containment sheeting (eg chain
wire mesh and shade cloth), if provided, at
least 20 per cent porous?
Has every second standard been tied to a
supporting structure of adequate strength at
(maximum) 4 m vertical intervals?
For scaffolds greater than 14 m in height to
the top working platform, is an extra row of
ties fitted near the base of the scaffold, as
shown in figure 6?
Are standards with containment sheeting
attached extending no more than 2 m above
the highest ties?
23
For standards supporting sheeting, are all
the joints below the top working platform?
Are ties staggered, as far as reasonably
practicable?
Have joints in the standards been staggered,
as far as reasonably practicable?
Is the foundation or footing adequate to
support the imposed load?
Note: If in doubt, get expert advice.
Are fully planked platforms at every 2–3 m
apart vertically?
SITE MANAGEMENT YES NO COMMENT
Is there an OHS management plan on-site
that clearly identifies those responsible for
implementing control measures in relation to
scaffolding?
Does the site-specific induction include
the names of all persons responsible for
implementing control measures in relation to
scaffolding?
Has a documented site-specific risk
assessment been undertaken to ensure that
scaffolding is not erected near a cliff top or
other high wind area?
Are site-specific hazards, eg proximity to
powerlines – and control measures included
in the scaffolding safe work method
statement?
Is there a system in place to inform workers
which platforms are working platforms or
closed platforms, eg scaffolders to provide
information and in turn this information
to be provided to workers through regular
toolbox meetings?
Is there adequate supervision to ensure
that the control measures are monitored
for effectiveness and modifications are
recommended when appropriate?
Are scaffold inspection records available and
maintained by the principal contractor?

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APPENDIX C – FURTHER INFORMATION
• Visit workcover.nsw.gov.au
• Call the WorkCover Assistance Service on 13 10 50.
• Call the WorkCover Publications Hotline on 1300 799 003.
• Visit your nearest WorkCover office.
• For technical specifications on scaffold, contact your local manufacturer.

APPROVED INDUSTRY CODES OF PRACTICE

• Code of practice: Work near overhead power lines (chapter 6 – scaffolding).

AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS

Australian Standards can be purchased from SAI Global. Contact the Customer Service
Centre on 13 12 42 or visit saiglobal.com/shop

Check if any updates or additions to the Australian Standards have been made.

AS/NZS1576: Part 1: Scaffolding – General Requirements

AS1577: Scaffold Planks
AS/NZS1892.1: Portable Ladders – Metal
AS/NZS1892.3: Portable Ladders – Reinforced Plastic
AS/NZS4576: Guidelines for Scaffolding

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Catalogue No. WC02373  WorkCover Publications Hotline 1300 799 003
WorkCover NSW  92–100 Donnison Street Gosford NSW 2250
Locked Bag 2906 Lisarow NSW 2252  WorkCover Assistance Service 13 10 50
Website workcover.nsw.gov.au
ISBN 978 1 74218 602 3  © Copyright WorkCover NSW 1110